Yenni was photographed exclusively for MODELS.com by Daniel Jaramillo, with styling by Ilanka Verhoeven, hair by Takuya Yamaguchi & makeup by Shaina Ehrlich. Thanks to Sofiane and Alex.

interview

Name:
Yenni Schwan (@yennischwan)

Pronouns:
she/her

Agency:
Official Model Management (New York), SMC Model Management (mother agency), Women 360 Paris, Select Model Management Milano, Uno Models (Barcelona), Storm Management (Los Angeles)

Age:
22

Height:
5’9

Place of Origin:
I was born in Havana, Cuba, and grew up on a farm near Berlin, Germany

Ethnic Origin:
½ Cuban ½ German

Birthsign:
Aries

Did you always want to be a model? Tell us about how you were discovered.
Actually, no, I wanted to become a diplomat. I got discovered at an Italian restaurant in my hometown. My mum and I went there for dinner, a few days after Christmas. My (now) mother agents Alex and Veronique from SMC were having dinner there with one of their models. My mum knew the model, so she walked over to say hi and introduced me. They asked us to join them, and that’s when it all started. To this day, Alex thinks it was all a setup, haha.

Most memorable modeling experience so far?
Definitely, the CK One Fragrance campaign I shot last January! Working with one of my favorite designers was a dream come true, and I was fortunate to collaborate with an incredibly talented and inspiring team.

One song you have on repeat, and why?
Yo Voy – Zion & Lennox (feat Daddy Yankee). Omg, this reminds me so much of my childhood. My mum is a Latin American dancer, and she always took me to her dance practice as a kid. I remember she used to put this song on and teach me how to dance.

What other passions do you have aside from modeling?
One of my passions is finding really random pieces at vintage stores and turning them into something nice.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do/try?
I’ve always wanted to go sunset horse riding at the beach. That’s definitely on my bucket list for this summer!

What’s one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
Throw 3 words in a room or a vibe, and I bring you that persona, including movement and ambiance. Thats why I really want to get into acting as well.

What change would you like to see in the world?
I really wish people would become more open-minded, accepting, and loving towards each other. We should appreciate and embrace our diversity and differences. It really shocks me when I sometimes go on social media and see so much hate and negativity people have towards each other.